Narrow Gauge Railroad Discussion Forum
This is a forum for the discussion of narrow gauge and steam railroading with a primary emphasis on railroads operating in the US. While discussions of modeling are welcome, please try to limit such discussions to issues relating to the prototype. This forum is not associated with any organization or group, and the authors of each post are solely responsible for the content of their post.
The forum is open to anyone to read, however if you wish to participate, you will have to register, and to provide a valid e-mail address. When you do so, you will be sent a confirmation e-mail with a link which you can use to activate your account. You are free to use a handle as your screen name should you wish to do so, however we do ask that you provide a real name in the profile associated with your handle. Beyond that all we ask is that you accord yourself as if you were visiting a friend's house, or roundhouse. Remember, you are responsible for anything you say.
Rights to all posts are owned by their respective authors. All other content copyright 2001- 2010 NGDF, all rights reserved.
This board is owned and operated by Don Richter. Others who have contributed to the upkeep of this board are (in no particular order): Herb Kelsey, Everett Lueck, Bill Ramaley, Rod Jensen, Russ Sperry (El Russo Loco), Josh McNeal, John West, Jim Armstrong, Bob Bergstrom, Greg Scholl, Blake Forbes, and Doug van Veelen.The National Archives was formed as an agency in 1934. In 1949 as part of a reorganization of federal agencies, the National Archives was incorporated into the General Services Administration (GSA). As a division of the GSA, the National Archives was the National Archives and Records Service (NARS). In 1984 legislation to remove NARS from the GSA was signed, and in 1985 the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) began operations as an independent federal agency.
Brian makes an important point. Archives, and special libraries, are not designed like most public libraries, where browsing is encouraged. Some archives are more tolerant of personal copy work, and some are very restrictive about duplication and publication of materials from their collections. Many state historical societies and archives affiliated with universities are restrictive about copying and publication to varying degrees. The National Archives is much less restrictive, because this is publicly created and owned material - they are the property of the entire nation. While most National Archives research rooms will allow hand-held cameras, they may ask that you not use flash, and they probably will not allow you to use a tripod or copy stand. My understanding is that the concern is to avoid cluttering up the research room and possibly tripping other researchers.
I have been very pleased with the service I have received as a researcher at both the National Archives and the Library of Congress. Very courteous, helpful professionals work at both institutions.
Charlie Mutschler
